Five-Minute Summer Safety Check

Indiana summers bring cookouts, gardens full of big red tomatoes, sun tea, and long evenings outside. They also bring heat and humidity that can become dangerous quickly, especially for older adults and people with disabilities.

The Indiana summer has already made its presence known. We have had several days when the heat index climbed above 100 degrees across central Indiana, and we can expect more hot, humid weather before fall arrives.

When the heat settles in, a quick summer safety check can help catch a small problem before it becomes an emergency. Take five minutes to ask yourself, a loved one you care for, a friend, or a neighbor these questions that can help make the summer heat less of a threat.

1. Is It Cool Enough Inside?

Start with the obvious question: How hot is it in the house?

Check the thermostat and make sure the air conditioning is working. If one room stays cooler than the others, spend more time there during the hottest part of the day.

A few simple changes can also help:

• Close curtains or blinds against direct sunlight.
• Avoid using the stove or oven during the afternoon.
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Spend a few hours in an air-conditioned public place if the house cannot be kept cool.

Fans can make a room feel more comfortable, but they may not provide enough protection during extreme heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using air conditioning or going somewhere air-conditioned when temperatures become dangerously high.

Need help finding a cool place? Call CICOA’s Aging & Disability Resource Center at 317-803-6131 to speak with our team.

2. Have You Had Enough to Drink and Eat?

It is easy to lose track of meals and water, especially when the heat reduces your appetite.

Think back over the day. What have you had to drink? When did you last eat? Is there water nearby? Is there something simple available for the next meal?

Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Keep water within easy reach and choose meals that do not heat the kitchen. Fresh fruit, sandwiches, yogurt, salads and other easy-to-prepare foods are good options for hot days.

If a doctor has told you to limit fluids or you take a “water pill,” ask your healthcare professional how much you should drink during hot weather.

3. Are Medications and Medical Equipment Safe?

Heat can affect more than the temperature inside the home. Some medications can change the way the body handles heat or maintains its fluid balance. Medications can also be damaged when left in a hot car or stored outside the recommended temperature range.

Take a moment to check that:

• Medications have been taken as directed.
• Medications are stored properly.
• Anything requiring refrigeration has remained cold.
• Essential medical equipment has power.
• There is a plan in case the electricity goes out.

Never stop or change a medication because of the weather without talking with a doctor or pharmacist.

Anyone who relies on an oxygen concentrator, powered wheelchair, nebulizer or other electrical medical equipment should have a backup plan. Write it down and make sure someone else knows the plan too.

4. Are There Signs the Heat Is Taking a Toll?

Heat-related illness does not always begin dramatically. It may start with a headache, muscle cramps or feeling more tired than usual.

Watch for:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual tiredness

Move to a cooler place and seek medical guidance if symptoms develop.

Confusion, fainting, loss of consciousness or a very high body temperature may be signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Do not dismiss sudden confusion or unusual behavior as “just part of getting older.” A noticeable change could mean something is wrong.

5. Is Anything Else Becoming More Difficult?

A quick summer check may reveal a concern that has nothing to do with the temperature.

Is there enough food in the refrigerator? Are prescriptions running low? Is transportation available for the next appointment? Is an everyday task becoming harder to manage?

Small problems are easier to address before they grow. Picking up groceries, arranging a ride or asking for help with one household task may be all that is needed.

Accepting a little assistance does not mean giving up independence. The right support can make it easier to remain safe, comfortable and in control at home.

Make Checking In a Habit

Summer safety works best when people look out for one another.

Choose a friend, relative or neighbor and agree to check in during especially hot weather. A phone call, text message or quick knock on the door may be enough. Make sure someone knows what to do if a call goes unanswered or something does not seem right.

Five minutes is not a major commitment. It can still make a major difference.

CICOA Is Here to Help with Summer Safety and More

You do not have to wait for a crisis to contact CICOA.

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions connects older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers in Central Indiana with information and resources that support safety and independence at home. That may include nutrition services, transportation, caregiver support, in-home assistance and other community resources.

Call CICOA’s Aging & Disability Resource Center at 317-803-6131 to speak with our team. A quick safety check can help you recognize a concern. One call to CICOA can help you understand what to do next.

Nate Huff

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